Citizenship by Investment in the Caribbean: 2025 Outlook

The Caribbean has become one of the world’s most strategically important regions for Citizenship by Investment (CBI), offering internationally recognised mobility rights, structured investment pathways, and credible due-diligence systems that appeal to high-net-worth individuals and globally mobile families. While each jurisdiction operates under the same general model—citizenship granted in exchange for an approved economic investment—their underlying strengths, investment thresholds, and long-term advantages differ significantly.

Today, five Caribbean nations maintain active CBI programmes: St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia. Together, they form the backbone of the global investment-migration industry. The following analysis offers a detailed, data-driven comparison of these programmes, highlighting the investment requirements, passport strength, holding periods, and unique positioning of each jurisdiction.

St. Kitts and Nevis — The Grandfather of Citizenship by Investment

St. Kitts and Nevis - Citizenship by Investment — Citizenship by Investment in St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis continues to set the regional benchmark for programme integrity and due diligence. Its investment framework allows citizenship either through a direct contribution of US$250,000 for a single applicant via the Sustainable Island State Contribution, or through approved real estate acquisitions beginning at US$325,000, held for a mandated period of seven years. Real estate applications also include government fees that start at US$25,000 for the main applicant, with additional charges applied to dependents.

The St. Kitts & Nevis passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 150–155 destinations, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and key emerging markets. This makes it one of the most powerful mobility documents in the Caribbean. The jurisdiction’s mature luxury property market—featuring internationally recognised brands and resort developments—further strengthens its position as a premium option for investors prioritising reputational safety, long-term programme stability, and asset-backed investment pathways.

Antigua & Barbuda — The Most Cost-Efficient Structure for Large Families

Antigua and Barbuda - Citizenship by Investment Program — Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda offers one of the most cost-effective pathways for families seeking citizenship without compromising programme credibility. The country’s National Development Fund investment begins at US$230,000 for a family of four, positioning it as one of the most competitively priced CBI routes in the region. The real estate option requires a minimum investment of US$300,000 in a government-approved development, held for five years, while the UWI Fund option (designed for larger households) begins at US$260,000 for six or more applicants.

Antigua and Barbuda - Citizenship by Investment — Shirley Heights in Antigua and Barbuda

Mobility benefits remain strong, with Antigua & Barbuda offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 150 countries, including key jurisdictions across Europe and Asia. Its well-developed tourism and hospitality infrastructure—supported by extensive Caribbean, North American, and European airlift—positions the island as a practical lifestyle base as well as an accessible investment location. For multi-generational families or applicants prioritising budget efficiency, Antigua & Barbuda represents a strategically balanced and financially attractive solution.

Dominica: Well-Regulated Programme With Exceptional Value

Dominica - Citizenship by Investment — Citizenship by Investment in Dominica

Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme remains the most accessible entry point in the Caribbean while maintaining a disciplined, internationally respected due-diligence framework. The Economic Diversification Fund offers citizenship from US$200,000 for a single applicant, while the real estate pathway requires a minimum investment of US$200,000, typically held for three years, supported by government fees that vary with family composition.

Despite its competitive price point, Dominica maintains one of the strongest reputations for governance among Caribbean CBI states. The passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 135–140 destinations, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and several emerging markets. The island has successfully channelled CBI inflows into large-scale national development, disaster resilience, healthcare, and infrastructure—reinforcing its credibility and long-term sustainability.

Dominica also offers an increasingly compelling real estate landscape, particularly in the luxury eco-hospitality sector, making it attractive to investors seeking both citizenship and future capital-growth potential.

Grenada: The Only CBI Program Offering Access to the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa

Grenada - Citizenship by Investment — Citizenship by Investment in Grenada

Grenada distinguishes itself through its eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, a benefit available only to nationals of treaty countries and not offered by any other Caribbean CBI jurisdiction. Contribution-based citizenship begins at approximately US$235,000, while government-approved real estate investments generally range from US$220,000 to US$270,000, held for five years, and accompanied by statutory government fees.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program — Citizenship by Investment in Grenada

Grenada’s passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 145–150 destinations, including China—an important differentiator within the Caribbean CBI landscape. The island’s expanding luxury tourism market, supported by high-end international hotel brands and wellness-focused developments, enhances both the investment case and the programme’s global positioning.

For investors with entrepreneurial or cross-border business interests, the combination of Caribbean citizenship and optional access to the U.S. E-2 visa makes Grenada a uniquely strategic jurisdiction.

St. Kitts Beaches - Citizenship by Investment — Shipwreck Beach — St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Lucia: A Flexible Framework With Multiple Investment Categories

St. Lucia - Citizenship by Investment — Citizenship by Investment in St. Lucia

St. Lucia has positioned itself as one of the Caribbean’s most modern and administratively efficient CBI programmes. The National Economic Fund contribution begins at US$240,000 for single applicants, while the real estate option requires a minimum of US$300,000 with a five-year holding period. The programme also periodically offers government bond options and enterprise investment opportunities, providing flexibility for applicants requiring alternative structures.

The St. Lucia passport delivers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 145–150 countries, including all major European and commercial hubs. Combined with a growing luxury residential market, expanding tourism infrastructure, and a straightforward application system, St. Lucia appeals to investors favouring clarity, administrative efficiency, and modern programme design.

Ultimately, the strength of the Caribbean’s citizenship by investment offering lies in its ability to meet distinctly different investor priorities through clearly defined, well-regulated pathways. Whether the objective is mobility enhancement, intergenerational estate planning, corporate structuring flexibility, or strategic access to new markets, each jurisdiction provides a framework with measurable advantages. The determining factor is not which programme is “best,” but which programme is structurally aligned with the investor’s long-term goals. When selected and executed correctly, Caribbean citizenship becomes more than a procedural acquisition — it becomes a durable asset, integrated into a broader global strategy for mobility, protection, and opportunity.

**Bio**

Dan Merriam
Caribbean Real Estate Investor
**Advisor @ Sotheby’s International Realty**
**Partner @ InvestCARICOM**
Helping high-net-worth investors and global families navigate second citizenship, tax residency, and cross-border real estate investments in the Caribbean and beyond. Dan specializes in Citizenship by Investment (CBI), offshore asset planning, and international relocation strategy—whether you're acquiring a luxury villa in Antigua, investing in real estate for a St. Kitts & Nevis passport, or diversifying your holdings through strategic property purchases across multiple jurisdictions.

Schedule a personalized 1-on-1 consultation with Dan Merriam to explore citizenship options, cross-border investment strategies, and Caribbean real estate tailored to your long-term goals. As a trusted advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty and partner at InvestCARICOM, Dan delivers insider access, personalized execution, and on-the-ground insight to help clients protect wealth, increase mobility, and live freely across borders.

Writer in Tax Reduction, International Tax Planning, Travel Hacking, Citizenship by Investment, Caribbean, Second Residence, Real Estate Investing, Asset Management, Lifestyle Planning, Company Formation, Offshore Banking, Asset Protection, Technology, Entrepreneurship

This article is for informational purposes only; it should not be considered financial, tax planning or legal advice. Consult a financial or investment professional before making any major financial decisions.

Citizenship By Investment: Caribbean Overview, 2025 Guide